Circuit controller



June 18, 1946.

c. H.'H0DGK|NS 2,402,404

C IRGUIT CONTROLLER Filed ,April 2, v1942 2 sheets-sheet 1 TOR 51m@ la, w46, C. HQ Homms 2,402,404

CIRCUIT CONTROLLER Filed April 2, 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 72/ATTORQE Patented June 18, 1946 CIRCUIT CONTROLLER Charles H. Hodgkins, Fairfield, Conn., assignor to The Bryant Electric Company, Bridgeport, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application April 2, 1942, Serial No. 437,391

(Cl. 20o-38) 27 Claims. l

This invention relates in general to circuit controlling devices, and more specifically to such devices having timing means for actuating the same.

Where electric switches are actuated by timing means manually settable to actuate the switch a selected time interval thereafter, it is desirable that the actual switching operation take place at a speed greater than the normal speed of the timing mechanism, but it is undesirable in some instances to permit an instantaneous switching operation Thus, where the switch is of the double-throw type, high speed operation may result in drawing an arc from one contact to the other and introduce a short-circuit condition, An illustration of one application of this type, is the range control switch shown in my patent No. 2,304,638, issued December 8, 1942 on an application led December 12, 1940, and assigned to the same assignee of this invention. However, because the timing mechanism of my copending application always operates at a predetermined slow rate, itrequires a considerable time at the end of the timed period to perform the switching operation. Obviously, since this switching Operation is essentially a transfer operation, considerable time may elapse between deenergization of one circuit and energization of another circuit.

Accordingly, one object of this invention is to provide novel time-controlled switch means which is Operable at a predetermined rate during the timing period and at a predetermined faster rate for performing the switching operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel timing means manually adjustable to select a, timing period, and having an operating member actuated at a predetermined rate during the timing period and at a controlled greater rate adjacent the end of the timing period for performing a switching operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide timing mechanism having a driven member normally actuable at-a predetermined rate by said mechanism, with novel means for actuating said member at a predetermined greater rate over a portion of its movement by said mechanism.

Another object of this invention is to provide timing mechanism having a driven member actuable at a predetermined rate, with novel means for increasing the rate of movement of said member by said mechanism adjacent the end of its movement.

It may also be desirable in switches of the foregoing type to provide a manual control that may be reset, so that the selected timing period may be changed, or avoided entirely by manually moving the mechanism to the position it occupies at the end of the timed period, and thus manually performing the switching operation normally accomplished by the timing mechanism,

One way of doing this, as shown in my abovementioned copending application, is to provide a friction clutch for driving the driven shaft of the timing mechanism so that this shaft may be independently moved manually. In such an arrangement, some means should be provided for preventing a too rapid manual switching movement. This is accomplished in my copending application by providing a resilient lost motion connection between the manual Operating handle and driven shaft of the timing mechanism.`

Another object of this invention is to provide in timing mechanism for operating switch means having a manual control also capable of operating said switching means, novel means for controlling the rate at which said manual switching operation can take place.

Another object of this invention is to provide in timing mechanism having a driven member operable thereby at a predetermined rate and manual means for adjusting said driven member independently of said mechanism, a novel means for limiting the speed at which a portion of said manual adjustment may be accomplished.

These and other objects of this invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, when taken in connection with the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of a switch mounting panel, with a switch constructed in accordance with this invention mounted thereon.

Fig 2 is a plan view showing the interior of the switch casing with the casing cover and timing mechanism removed. f

Fig. 3 is a substantially central transverse section view through the switch casing, with the timing mechanism and certain other parts shown in elevation.

Fig. 4 is a section view similar to Fig. 3 but taken substantially at right angles to the section of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the timer drive shaft and parts assembled thereon.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the timing mechanism with the top supporting plate removed.

Fig. '7 is a bottom plan view of the timing mechanism shown in Figs. 1 through 6, and

Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of a modified form of timing mechanism.

This invention is herein disclosed particularly with respect to a switching means comprising a plurality of switches adapted to be actuated in predetermined relation by a single switch actuating cam member, together with a timing mechanism which is manually adjustable to select any desired time interval during which the switches are adjusted to one position. At the end of the time interval selected, the timing mechanism is adapted to actuate the switches to another controlling position. The specific switch disclosed herein is particularly adapted for use in controlling heater circuits of the type wherein heating units are adapted for use in an electric range or the like. Such a circuit is shown, for example, in my Patent No. 2,363,326, issued November 21, 1944, on an application filed December 12, 1940, and assigned to the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company.

Although this particular switching means is especially designed for use in the heating circuit disclosed in the above-mentioned patent, wherein it has certain particular novel features of cooperation therewith, it is at the same time capable of use in other circuits for controlling other types of electrical apparatus. The switch disclosed `is not only adapted to have two controlling positions by virtue of the fact that certain of the switches incorporated therein are of the double-throw type, but the switch has the further feature of `providing a sequential operation of certain of the switches when the control means is initially moved to select a predetermined time interval for maintaining the switches in one active position, and this sequential operation obvie ously will also take place at the end of the time interval in a reverse sequence. The reason for providing sequential operation of certain of the switches, is to obtain a time interval between the operation of the switches. Where the switches may also be manually operated, this purpose may be `defeated if the operator quickly moves the switch control ymeans so that the sequentially operated switches are actually operated substantially simultaneously. Where double throw switches are provided, as in both of my previously mentioned patents, it is also desirable to provide against too rapid movement of the movable switch contact, in order to avoid drawing an arc from one stationary contact to the other, and, as shown inmypatents, the cam for operating such switches preferably has an intermediate operating surface for providing a. dwell of the movable contacts at a position intermediate the xed contacts of the double-throw switches. However, where such switches may be manually operated, it is possible that the operator will actuate the switch so rapidly as toobviate the effect of the specific shape of camfmeutioned above. Another consideration in switches of the type shown in my patents ils that, when the switches are operated by the timing mechanism, the operation may be so slow as to provide an unduly long period when the circuit will be opened. To provide against too rapid manual operation of switches of theforegoing types, this invention provides for control of the contact actuating member during that portion of itsnovement when the switch contacts are moved into or out of engagement, and in order to providefaster contact operation by a timing means, and still operate the contacts at a controlled speed, this invention also contemplates the provision of a means for increasing the speed of the timing mechanism during that portion of the movement of its contact actuating member where the contacts are separated or brought ino engagencnt.

Fig. 1 of the drawings illustrates switching means constructed in accordance with this invention Vmounted in back of a mounting panel I, with the switch operating shaft l1 projected through an aperture in the panel so that the operating handle l2 may be mounted at the front oi. the panel "as shown. Mounting panel l may be provided with an indicating arrow or the like,

for cooperation with suitable indicia provided on a flange on operating handle l2, so that the operator may judge the time of operation of the timing means.

The switch illustrated is preferably supported in an insulating casing 45 of any desired insulating material, preferably a molded insulating material, with the casing 45 having a bottom wall 2, side walls 4, 6, 8 and I0 and an open front. suitably secured on the bottom wall of the casing at one end thereof are terminals 44, 45, and 48. Mounted within casing 45 in adjacent corners thereof, respectively, are switch blade supports 5D and 52, conductively connected to terminals 44 and 48, respectively, for supporting switch blades 38 and 28. These switch blades are preferably of a resilient conducting material so as to be normally biased into engagement with xed contacts 42 and 32, respectively, mounted on bottom wall 2 in opposite corners of casing 45. Switch blades 38 and 28 may be moved into engagement 'with xed contacts 4U and 30, respectively, also mounted on bottom wall 2. Blade 38 may also engage a xed contact 39 at the same time it engages contact 43, as in my previously mentioned patents, for energizing an indicator circuit or the like. Contacts 30, 32, 40, and 42 are mounted on supports extending through bottom wall 2 of casing 45, to provide terminals. Contacts 45-42 and 31)-32 are located `in restricted arcing chambers, formed by baille members 54 in the casing integral with side wall 6 and bottom wall 2, and by an insulating cover plate 12 overlying the baiiies and contacts to form arc chambers of insulating material having an opening merely to accommodate movement of the switch blades 28 and 38. Terminal 46 is conductively associated with a contact 36 shown in Fig, 3 adapted to cooperate with a switch blade 34 mounted inthe casing on the bottom wall 2 thereof. i Switch blade 34 (Fig. 3) is conductively associated, through bottom wall 2 of casing 45, with'a terminal strap |34. It will be noted that the contact 36 is also positioned in a restricted arc chamber vformed by a recess 56 in casing 45.

Switch blades 28, 38, and 34 are adapted to be actuated by a single cam member 58 in the form of a block of insulating material having a substantially central opening therethrough, so as to be rotatably mounted on a shaft 59 secured in the bottom wall of casing 45. Cam member 58 is circular inform, and is provided on its periphery with upper and lower cam surfaces 60-62 for actuating switch vblades 38 and 2B, respectively. By reference to Figs. 2 and 4, it will be noted that switch blades 38 and 28'are provided with relatively offset cam rollers `Ill and 58, respectively, for cooperation with peripheral cam surfaces 62 and 6D, respectively, on cam member 55. Cam member is also provided with a recess 64 in its undersurface for cooperation with a struck-up portion 6B on switch blade 34, to actuate switch blade 34 in a predetermined sequence with respect to switch blades 38 and 28. Cam member 58 is provided in its upper surface with a pair of spaced sockets 14 adapted to receive a correspondingly spaced pair of driving prongs 'IB'iixed `to the shaft 11 of `a timing mechanism 80. The driving prongs 16 project through an opening in insulating plate 12 and arereceived in sockets 14 in the cam member for driving engagement therewith.

It will be noted thatoperating 4cam 5B is provided rwith opposed substantially identical raised and depressed cam portions connected by intermediate cam portions 24 and 22. It will be obvious that when cam block 58 is rotated in a.

64 in the lower face of cam block 5B to thereby.

permit switch blade 34, which is normally biased upwardly, to separate from its cooperating con' tact 36. Separation of switch blades-38 and 28 from their contacts 42 and 32, respectively, then occurs, after which the blade rollers '|0 and 68 ride onto the outer raised portions of the cam block and move the switch blades into engagement with the outer contacts 40 and 30, respectively. Rotation of the cam block 58 in a counterclockwise direction will provide a reverse sequence of operation; that is, switch blades 38 and 28 will iirst be moved out of engagement with contacts 40 and 30, respectively, to a position in.. terrnediate their associated contacts and out of engagement therewith, after which the switch blades are permitted to close to inner contacts 42 and 32, and nally the end of slot 66 in cam block 58 is reached and blade 66 is forced into engagement with contact 36.

i The timing mechanism disclosed is supported in switch casing 45 between cover I4 for the casing and insulating plate I2, and preferably comprises a pair of supporting plates 62 and 84 which are maintained in xed spaced relation, for ex ample, as by spacing sleeves 88 provided with bolts 90 passing therethrough and .through the supporting plates. The upper supporting plate 82 is provided with a bearing sleeve 86 suitably secured thereto, and adapted to project through an aperture provided in cover plate I4. The timing mechanism driven shaft '|1 is rotatably mounted in bearing sleeve 86 and extends through'apertures provided in supporting plates 82 and 84, and, as shown in Fig. 5, the intermediate portion of this shaft adjacent top supporting plate 82 is provided with an enlarged portion 92, and with a drive disk portion 94 immediately above enlarged portion 92. Drive disk portion 94 formed on shaft 'Il is provided with a radial notch 95 extending from the outer edge thereof, and enlarged portion 92 on the driven shaft has'the lower portion thereof provided with a llat side surface 98. Notch 9S in shaft disk portion 94 is provided for the purpose of receiving drive tongue |02 provided on friction disk |00 for the purpose of coupling this disk for movement with the driven shaft. A frictionally driven gear |04 is mounted on enlarged portion 92 of the driven shaft so as to be in frictional engagement with friction disk |00. Another friction disk |06 is mounted on the opposite side of gear |04 and in engagement with the opposite side of the gear, and disks |00 and |06, and gear |04 are maintained in position against disk portion 84 on the driven shaft by a cup-shaped spring washer |08. The washer |08, as shown in Fig. 5, is provided with a substantially D-shaped central aperture for cooperation lwith the lower portion of shaft enlargement 92, and a short Dshaped sleeve portion I I2 is formed on the washer to surround the lower portion of shaftenlargement 82 having the ilat side 98, and integral tongues ||4 extend inwardly from the outer edge of washer-sleeve portion I I2 to resiliently engage in annular notch` IIB provided on shaft I"| immediately below enlarged portion 82. It can be seen that the parts may be assembled merely by slipping disk |00, gear |04, disk |06 and washer |08 onto the lower end of the shaft '|1, and forcing washer |08 upwardly until the resilient tongues I I4 thereon enter notch ||6 on the shaft. Spring washer |08 is preferably provided with radially extending slots |I0 to render the outer portions of the washer more flexible and resilient. When the parts are assembled in the manner specified above, gear |04 will be frictionally coupled to shaft by virtue of its engagement with friction disk |00 keyed .to the shaft, and with friction disk |08 which in turn engages washer |08 also constrained for movement with shaft 11.

A direct drive gear I I8 is adapted to be mounted above disk portion 94 on shaft Tl', and this gear is provided with a downwardly bent tongue portion |22 to also enter notch 86 to key gear ||8 for movement with shaft TI. Gear |I8 does not have teeth extending about the entire periphery, but rather is provided with a limited number of teeth |20 for a purpose to bevhereinafter described. Moreover, it will also be noted that teeth |20 of gear I|8 are partially separated from the main body of the gear by an arcuate slot |24, so that the teeth |20 may have some radial movement relative `to the main body of gear |I8.

Friction drive gear |04 on timer shaft 'I1 is adapted'to drive a chain of reduction gears, which are in turn coupled with an escapement mechanism As shown, gear |04 Imeshes with a pinion |26 which is mounted on the same shaft with a gear |28 forming one gear of a reduction gearing including gears |32, |35, and pinions |30, and |38. Pinion |38 is at the remote end of the reduction gearing, and mounted on the same shaft with pinion |38 is an escapement wheel |40 shown l as having substantially triangularly shaped teeth.

Movement of escapement wheel |40 is adapted to be controlled by spaced escapement pins |42 mountedV at spaced points on an inertia type balance wheel |44.

Shaft 'il of the timing mechanism has mounted on the' lower end thereof projecting beyond lower supporting plate 811 one end of a coil spring |46 for actuating the shaft. The other end of coil spring |46 is secured to an anchor post |48 suit# ably mounted on supporting plate 84. Coil spring |46' is connected to shaft 'I1 in a manner such as to rotate the shaft in a clockwise direction as viewedin Figs. 7 and 8 of the drawings. Outwardly of coil spring |46, shaft carries a control disk |56 secured on the outer squared end of the shaft,l and this disk is provided with a pair 'of spaced radially extending stop shoulders |52 and |54, respectively, engageable at dilferent positions with a stop pin |56 secured to lower supporting plate 84. The drive pins I6 previously referred to are also secured on control disk |50.

In the operation of the timing mechanism thus far described, it is obvious that if actuating handle I2 mounted on the end of shaft projecting through cover I4 be actuated to rotate the shaft to the position shown in full lines in Fig. 7, wherein stop shoulder |54 is in engagement with a stop pin |56, coil spring |46 will be stressed, and this tensioning of the coil spring is accomplished without actuation of the reduction gearing or escapement mechanism because of the frictional association of drive gear |04 and shaft 11. Now,

' upon release of operating handle |2, it is obvious that spring` |46 will cause clockwise rotation of shaft 1l, but this rotation of the shaft will be opposed by the resistance offered by the reduction gearing. as controlled by the escapement mechanism. In winding spring |46 in the manner set i'orth above, it should be noted that, during the first part of the winding movement by actuating handle vI2, teeth |20 on direct drive gear IIB will engage pinion |26 of reduction gearing so that it will be necessary to drive the reduction gearing during manual winding of spring |46. This provides a resistance to such. a manual operation, and thereby limits the speed at which the iirst part of the [manual operation may be performed, and since the portion oi movement of shaft` 11 defined by teeth |20 on direct drive gear ||8 corresponds to the portion of movement of actuating cam .50. for moving switch blades 28 and 38, it necessarily follows that the portion of the manual winding movement during which the movable switch contacts are actuated will be restrained because of the necessity of driving the reduction gearing at that part oi the movement. After shaft 'l1 has been moved beyond the point at which movable switch contacts 28 and 39 are actuated, it may be manually moved as rapidly as desired, because then teeth |20 on the direct drive gear i8 will no longer engage pinion |26 of the reduction gearing. Because of the frictional connection between shaft 17| and gear |04, the shaft may also be manually moved by handle |2 in a reverse or clockwise direction from the full-line position shown in Fig. 7 of the drawings, to its off position, shown in dotted lines. During the first portion of this movement, the shaft may be moved as rapidly as desired by the operator, but as soon as cam 58 commences actuationof switch contacts 28 and 38, the teeth |20 on direct drive gear I8 will be in position to engage pinion |26 of the reduction gearing to thereby limit the speed at which the remainder of movement of shaft 'l1 in this direction may be accomplished. Slot |24 is provided in gear ||8 to permit teeth |20 to yield in the event they do not exactly mesh with the teeth of pinion |26 when they are first engaged. It is believed apparent from the foregoing that, by the structure thus far dened there is provided a timing mechanism which may be manually adjusted to actuate switch contacts after a period of time dependent upon the adjustment of the mechanism, and wherein the contacts may `be also actuated manually independently of the running down of the timing mechanism, but that portion of movement of the timer shaft where the switch contacts are actuated will be always restrained by the reduction gearing of the timing mechanism so that manual actuation of the switch contacts will be restrained, and consequently the speed at which they may be manually actuated will be limited.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. l through 7, balance wheel |44 is pivotally mounted between a pair of spaced supporting arms |60 at one end of these arms, while the other end of the supporting arms are pivotally supported between the supporting frame plates, as at .|58. Balance wheel |44 may be mounted between the pivotally supporting arms |60 on a pivot pin |62, and a coil spring |64 is provided about pivot |58 forbiasing the arms in a. counterclockwise direction, as shown in Fig. 7, to a position wherein escape pins |42 on wheel |44 are positioned to control rotation of escape wheel |40. As shown, theouter end of at least one supporting arm |60 is notched to provide spaced shoulders |10 for engagement by one of the escape pins V|42 ;to klimit 8 relative movement of balance wheel 44 when supporting arms |60 are rotated in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 7 to the dotted line position wherein the escape pins no longer engage escape wheel |40. The projection |'l2 formed on one supporting leg |50 is adapted to engage the adjacent edge of supporting plate 84 to limit counterclockwise rotation of the supporting arms about pivot |58 under the influence of spring |64, to properly position the escape pins relative to escape wheel |40. Lower supporting arm |60 is provided with a laterally projecting actuating pin |66 positioned so as to be in the path of movement of a projecting cam portion |68 formed on control disk |50.

I-t will now be apparent that, by the particular mounting of balance wheel |44 described above, when spring |4t` has been stressed, that is, when shaft 7i' has been manually moved to the position shown in full lines in Fig. 7, the shaft will be rotated in a counterclockwise direction by the spring with its speed of rotation limited and controlled by the reduction gearing and escapement mechanism, until cam portion |68 on control disk |50 moves into engagement with actuating pin |66 on balance wheel supporting arm |60; whereupon further rotation of shaft 'l1 in a clockwise direction will cause movement of supporting arms |60 in a clockwise direction about their pivot support |56 and move the balance wheel so that escapement pins |42 will be moved out of engagement with escape wheel |40. Balance Wheel |44 will then be no longer capable of controlling movement of the escape wheel, so that the only resista-nce offered to rotation of shaft 'l1 by spring |46 is that of reduction gearing |26 to |38 inclusive. Accordingly, the spring |46 will be operative to rotate shaft 11 at an increased speed, but at the same time at a speed controlled by the resistance of the reduction gearing. The point at which cam |68 engages actuating pin |66 on balance wheel support arms |60 corresponds to the point where switch cam 58 actuates movable switch contacts 28 and 38 from engagement with one set of stationary contacts into engagement with the other spaced contacts. Thus, by providing for means to move balance wheel |44 out of engagement with escape wheel |40, at the portion of movement of shaft 11 during which actuation of the switch contacts occurs, the movement of the shaft is speeded up during contact actuation, but is not unrestrained because of `the necessity of driving the reduction gearing. Accordingly, actuation of the switch contacts by shaft 11 when driven by spring |46 will take place at an increased speed, but not at an unrestrained speed. The speed at which contact actuation actually occurs may be predetermined by properly proportioning the reduction gearing, so that a proper dwell will be obtained in the movement of the movable `contactsof the double-throw switches at a position intermediate the spaced contacts, and so that proper sequence of operation of the double-throw switches and the single-throw switch will be obtained with a sufficient time interval therebetween, without, however, actuating the contacts at a Aspeed greatenough to eliminate either the dwell or the .time-delay between the sequential operation of the switches. With the foregoing structure, it is possible to actuate the lcontacts slow enough so that there will be no danger of drawing an arc from one spaced contact of the double-throw switches to the other spaced contact thereof, and so that a denite vtime interval will be provided in the sequential operation of the switches, while, at the same time, the contacts are operated fast enough so that the circuits will not remain open an undesirable length of time. Thus, with the mechanism described above, the switching operation may be accomplished in a few seconds, whereas, with the same structure, and without provision of means for increasing the speed of the timing mechanism during contact actuation, about three minutes would be required for the switching operation.

Disengagement of balance wheel |44 from escape wheel |40 will not effect actuation of the contacts manually as previously described, be-

cause, even though this disengagement occurs when shaft 11 is rotated manually, it will still be necessary to drive the reduction gearing ,during that portion of the movement of the shaft when contact actuation occurs. This insures that at least the resistance of the reduction gearing will be encountered during that portion `of the movement of shaft 11 manually to actuate the contacts.

Another means for increasing the speed of the timing mechanism during contact actuation is shown in Fig. 8 of the drawings. Since most of the timing mechanism shown in Fig. 8 is identical with that previously described, like reference numerals will be employed to designate such like parts, and description of these parts will not be repeated except where necessary to explain the operation of this particular speed increasing means. In this embodiment of the invention, balance wheel |44 is mounted on a pivot |15 between supporting plates 82 and 84, and the balance wheel has secured adjacent the periphery thereof one end of a leaf spring |18. The other end of leaf spring |13 is provided with an outwardly extending lateral projection |80, which extends into the path of movement of a projection |14 provided on control disk |50, and the projection |14 is provided with a slot |16 opening at one end thereof to receive the laterally extending end |80 of spring |18 during that portion of movement of shaft |11 at which contact actuation occurs. When spring |46 is in wound condition wit the parts assuming the position shown in full lines in Fig. 8 of the drawings, it will be apparent that spring |46 will be operative to rotate shaft 11 in a clockwise direction with the movement of the shaft controlled by the reduction gearing and escapement mechanism as before. However, when shaft 11 reaches the position wherein contact actuation is initiated by cam 58, the laterally extending end |80 of leaf spring |18 will enter notch |15 in projection |14 of the control disk, so that this end of the leaf spring Will be restrained and consequently oscillation of the balance wheel will be opposed by the resilient stresses set up in the leaf spring |18, with the result that the leaf spring |18 will tend to return balance wheel |44 more quickly to thereby increase its speed of oscillation and decrease the amplitude of its oscillation. All this increases the frequency of oscillation of the balance wheel and hence increases the speed at which escape wheel |40 is released by escape pins |42, so that spring |46 is permitted to rotate shaft 11 at a higher speed during the movement thereof in which contact actuation occurs. This embodiment of the invention therefore is, in effect, similar to the mechanism previously described for increasing the speed of contact actuation when such actuation occurs under the vinfluence of timing mechanism |46, while the mechanism still operates to provide a resistance to manual contact actuation, as previously described in connection with the iirst embodiment of the invention.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that there is provided by this invention a timing mechanism having a driven member adapted to be actuated in one direction by a spring, and capable of being manually adjusted to wind or unwind the spring, with a part of the movement by the spring being faster than the remainder of its fmovement, either by restraining oscillation of the escapement mechanism, or by entirely disengag- Aing the balance wheel of the escapement mechanism.

Moreover, manual operation of the driven shaftof the timing mechanism is positively restrained at this same portion of its movement to limit the speed at which the shaft may be manually actuated at least during this one portion of its movement. This timing mechanism is especially adapted for use in the actuation of electrical switches, with the switch actuati-on correlated with the movement of the driven shaft of the timing mechanism so that actual actuation of the switch contacts occurs at the aforesaid portion of the movement of the timing mechanism shaft. By this arrangement, it is possible to obtain contro-lled predetermined speeds at which the contacts are actuated, irrespective of whether the contacts are actuated by the timing mechanism spring, or by manual manipulation of the timer shaft. As previously pointed out, such controlled predetermined speeds for switch contact actuation are especially desirable where double-throw switches are to be actuated, or where a plurality of switches are to be actuated in a predetermined sequence. Al-

though the timing mechanism is intended priimarily for use to control actuation of electric switches, wherein it has the special novel features of cooperation set forth above, and is specifically disclosed herein for that purpose, it will be obvious that the particular timing mechanism` herein disclosed, 'will also nd utility in the actuation of types of electric switches other than that specincally described, as well as for the conti-cl of apparatus other than electric switches.

Having described preferred embodiments of the invention in accordance with the patent statutes, it is desired that the invention be not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein, inasmuch as it will be obvious, particularly to persons skilled in the art, that many changes and modications' may be made in these particular embodiments without departing from the broad vspirit and scope of this invention. Therefore, it

desired that the invention be interpreted as broadly as possible and that it be limited only as required by the prior art.

I claim as my invention:

In a switch, separable contacts, means for actuating said contacts including timing mechanism, said mechanism including a drive spring actuating a contact operating member, a plu.-

rality of reduction gears driving an escapement mechanism for controlling movementof said contact perating member by said spring, means whereby said contact operating member is effective to separate said contacts during a portion of its movement under the influence of said spring,

`and means responsive to movement of said contact actuating member for disengaging said escapement mechanism from said gears during separation of said contacts.

2. In `a switch, separablevcontacts, means for actuating said contacts including timing mechanism, said mechanism including a drive spring for actuating a contact operating member, reduction gearing driving a balance Wheel controlled escapement Wheel for controlling movement of said contact operating member by said spring, means whereby said contact operating member is effective to separate said contacts during a portion of its movement under the influence of said spring, and means responsive to movement of said contact actuating member for decreasing the amplitude of oscillation of said balance wheel during separation of said contacts.

3. In mechanism of the type described, a driven member, spring means for driving said member `in one direction, reduction gear means connecting said driven `member and an escapement device for controlling movement of said driven member under the influence of said spring so that said member is actuated at a `predetermined speed, means responsive to movement of said driven member and cooperating directly with said escapement device for permitting actuation of said member at a greater speed for a portion of its travel under the influence of said spring means, and at least a portion of said gearing being connected to said driven member throughout movement of said driven member under the iniiuenee of said spring to prevent too rapid actuation of said member during said portion of its travel.

4. In mechanism of the type described, a driven member, spring means for driving said member ln one direction, reduction gear means connecting said driven member and an escapement device for controlling movement of said driven member under the influence of said spring so that said member is actuated at a predetermined speed, means responsive to movement of Said driven member for disengaging said escapement device from said gearing for permitting actuation of said member at a greater speed for a portion of its travel under the influence of said spring, and at least a portion of said gearing being connected to said driven member `throughout movement of said driven member under the influence of said spring to prevent too rapid actuation of said member during said portion of its travel.

5. In mechanism of the type described, a driven member, spring means for driving said member in one direction, reduction gear means connecting said driven member and an escapement device for controlling movementof said driven member under the influence of said spring so that said member is actuated at a predetermined speed, said escapement device including a balance Wheel mounted for movement into and out of engagement with an escapement wheel, means biasing said balance wheel into engagement with said gear means. means movable with said driven member for disengaging said escapement wheel from said gear means for actuating said member at a greater speed for a portion of its travel under the inuence of said spring means, and at least a portion of said gearing being connected to said driven member throughout movement of said driven member under the influence of said spring to prevent too rapid actuation `of said member during said portion of its travel.

6. In mechanism oi the type described, a driven member, spring means for driving said member in one direction, reduction gear means connecting said driven member and an escapement device for controlling movement of said driven member under the influence of said spring so that said member is actuated at a predetermined speed, cam means movable with said driven member and cooperable with said escapement device to disengage said escapement device from said gearing for actuating said member at a greater speed for a portion of its travel under the influence of said spring means, and at least a portion of said gearing being connected to said driven member throughout movement of said driven member under the influence of said spring to prevent too rapid actuation of said member during said portion of its travel.

'7. In mechanism of the type described, a supporting frame, a driven shaft rotatably supported in said frame, spring means reacting between said shaft and Aframe for rotating said shaft in one direction, reduction gear means and an capement device mounted on said frame for controlling the speed of rotation of said shaft, said escapement device including a balance Wheel, a separate support for said wheel pivoted on said frame, means biasing said support to normally cause engagement of said wheel and gear means, means actuated by said shaft to cause movement of said support for disengaging said wheel from said gear means during a portion of the movement of said shaft by said spring means to increase the speed of said shaft during said portion of its movement, and at least a portion of said gearing being connected to said driven member throughout movement of said driven member under the iniluence of said spring to prevent too rapid actuation of said member during said portion of its travel.

8. In mechanism of the type described, a driven member, spring means for driving said member in one direction, reduction gear means connecting said driven member and an escapement device for controlling movement of said driven member under the influence of said spring so that said member is actuated at a predetermined speed, means responsive to movement of said driven member for disengaging said escapement device from said gearing for actuating said member at a greater speed for a portion of its travel under the influence of said spring, a friction clutch connecting said driven member and gear means, and manually operable means associated with said driven member for independently actuating said member to control the stress on said spring means, and at least a portion of said gearing being connected, to said driven member throughout movement of said driven member under the influence of said spring to prevent too rapid actuation ol said member during said `portion of its travel.

9, In mechanism of the type described, a driven member, spring means for driving said member in one direction, means connecting said driven member and an escapement device for controlling movement of said driven member under the influence of said spring so that said member is actuated at a predetermined speed, and means responsive to movement of said driven member and cooperating with said escapement device to decrease the amplitude of oscillation of said escapement device for actuating said member at a greater speed for a portion oi its travel under the iniluence of said spring means,

l0. In mechanism of the type described, a driven member, spring means for driving said -member in one direction, means connecting said driven member and an escapement device for controlling movement lof said driven member under the influence of said spring so that said member is actuated at a predetermined speed, said escapement device including a balance wheel, and means movable with said driven member for increasing the frequency of oscillation of said wheel to increase the speed of movement of said driven member at a predetermined point in its movement in said one direction.

11. In mechanism of the type described, a driven member, spring means for driving said member in one direction, means connecting said driven member and an escapement device for controlling movement of said driven member under the influence of said spring so that said member is actuated at a predetermined speed, said escapement device including a balance wheel member, damping means carried by oneK of said members and movable into engagement with the other of said members at a predetermined point in the movement of said driven member in said one direction, to increase the speed of movement of said driven member at said predetermined point.

12. In mechanism of the type described, a driven member, spring means for driving said member in one direction, means connecting said driven member and an escapement device for controlling movement of said driven member under the influence of said spring so that said member is actuated at a predetermined speed, said escapement device including a balance wheel member, resilient damping means carried by one of said members and having a part positioned so as to be engaged by the other of said members at a predetermined point in the movement of said driven member in said one direction, to increase the speed of movement of said driven member at said predetermined point.

13. In mechanism of the type described, a driven member, spring means for driving said member in one direction, means connecting said driven member and an escapement device for controlling movement of said driven member under the influence of said spring so that said member is actuated at a predetermined speed, said escapement device including a balance wheel member, a leaf spring carried at one end by one of said ymembers and having the opposite end thereof positioned so as to be engaged by the other of said members at a predetermined point in the movement of said driven member in said one direction, to increase the speed of movement of said driven member at said predetermined point.

14. In mechanism of the type described, a driven member, spring means for driving said member in one direction, means connecting said driven member and an escapement device for controlling movement of said driven member under the influence of said spring so that said member is actuated at a predetermined speed, said escapement device including a balance wheel, resilient means carried by said Wheel, and means carried by said driven member and movable into engagement with a portion of said resilient means at a predetermined point in the movement of said driven member in said one direction, to increase the speed of movement of said driven member at said predetermined point.

l5. In a switch, separable contacts, meansv for actuating said contacts including a manually operable actuating member, spring means for actuating said member in one direction, resistance means controlling the rate of movement of said member under the influence of said spring, clutch means connecting said member and resistance means so that said member may be manually actuated independently of said resistance means, and means responsive to movement 0f said member forming a positive drive connection with said resistance means at that portion of the movement of said member where said contacts are actuated.

16. In a switch, separable contacts, means for actuating said contacts including a manually operable actuating member, spring means for actuating said member in one direction, resistance means controlling the rate of movement of said member under the influence of said spring, friction clutch means connecting said member and resistance means so that said member may be manually actuated independently of said resistance means, and means responsive to movement of said member forming a positive drive connection of said member with said resistance means at that portion of the movement of said member where said-contacts are actuated.

17. In a switch, separable contacts, means for actuating said contacts including a manually operable actuating member, spring means for actuating said member in one direction,.means controlling the rate of movement of said member under the influence of said spring including reduction gearing and an escapement device coupled thereto, clutch means connecting said member and gearing so that said member may be manually actuated independently of said gearing and escapement device. and means including an interrupted gear movable with said member and engageable with said gearing at the point in the path of movement of said member Where said contacts are actuated, for positively controlling movement of said member during contact actuation.

L8. In a switch, separable contacts, means for actuating said contacts including a manually operable actuating member, spring means for actuating said member in one direction, resistance means controlling the rate of movement of said member under the influence of said spring, clutch means connecting said member and resistance means so that said member may be manually actuated independently of said resistance means, means responsive to movement of said member forming a positive drive connection with said resistance means at that portion of the movement of said member where said contacts are actuated, and means responsive to movement of said member for decreasing the resistance of said resistance means at said portion of the movement of said member where said contacts are actuated.

19. In a mechanism of the type described, a manually operable driven member, spring means for driving said member in one direction, reduction gear means connecting said driven member and an escapement device for controlling movement of said driven member under the influence of said spring so that said member is actuated at a predetermined speed, means responsive to movement of said driven member and cooperating with said escapement device for actuating said member at a greater speed for a portion of its travel under the influence of said spring means, clutch means connecting said driven member and gear means so that said member may be manually actuated independently of said gear means and escapement device, and means responsive to movement of said member forming a positive drive connection between said member and gea-r means for said portion'of the travel of `said member,

20. In mechanism of the type described, a manually operable driven member, spring means for driving said member in one direction, reduction gear means connecting said driven member and an escapementdevice for controlling movement of said driven member under the influence of said spring so that said member is actuated at a predetermined speed, means responsive to movevment of said driven member for disengaging said escapement device from said gearing for actuating said member at a greater speed for a portion of its travel under the influence of said spring means. clutch means connecting said driven member and gear means so that said member may be manually actuatedA independently of said gear means and escapement device, and means responsive to movement of said memberforming a positive drive connection between said member and gear means for said portion of the travel of said member.

21. In mechanism of the type described, a manually operable driven member, spring means for driving said member in one direction, reduction gear means connecting saidl driven member and an escapement device for controlling movement of said driven member under the influence of said spring so that said member is actuated at a predetermined speed, means responsive to movement of said driven member and cooperating with said escapement device to decrease the amplitude of oscillation of said escapement device for actuating said member at a greater speed for a portion of its travel under the influence of said spring means, clutch means connecting said driven member and gear means so that said member may be manually actuated independently of said gear means and escapernent device, and means responsive to movement of said member forming a positive drive connection between said member and gear means for said portion of the travel of said member.

22. In mechanism of the type described, a driven member, means for actuating said driven member including a manually operable actuating member, spring means for actuating said driven member in one direction, resistance means controlling the rate of movement of said driven member under the inliuence of said spring, clutch means connecting said driven member and resistance means so that said driven member may be manually actuated independently of said rcsistance means, means responsive to movement of said driven member forminfy a positive drive connection of said driven member with said resistance means at a portion of the movement of said driven member to prevent manual operation independently of said resistance means at said portion of movement oi the driven member, and means responsive to movement of said driven member for decreasing the resistance of said resistance means at said portion of the movement of said driven member.

23. In mechanism of the type described, a driven member, means for actuating said driven member including a manually operable actuating member, spring means for actuating said driven member in one direction, resistance means controlling the rate oi movement of said riven member under the influence of said spring, clutch means connecting said driven member and resistance means so that said driven member may be manually actuated independently of said resistance means, and means responsive to move- 16 ment of said driven member for Preventing manual operation of said driven member independently of said resistance means at a portion ci the movement of said driven member.

24. In a switch, separable contacts, means for actuating said contacts, timingr means for restraining movement of said actuating means to a predetermined rate for a predetermined period of time at the end or which at least one of said contacts is moved into or out of engagement with the other of said contacts, and means for causing at least a portion of said timing means to restrain operation of said actuating means but at a predetermined faster rate during said Contact movement so that actual contact separation or engagement occurs at said predetermined faster rate.

25. vIn a sw ich, separable contacts, means for actuating said contacts, adjustable timing means for restraining movement of said actuating means to a predetermined rate for a time predetermined by the amount said timing means is adjusted, manually operable means for adjusting said timing means any desired amount, means for moving at least one of said contacts into or out of engagement with the other of said contacts adjacent the end of said predetermined time, and means for causing at least a portion of said timing means to restrain operation of said actuating means but at a predetermined faster rate during said contact movement so that actual contact separation or engagement occurs at .said predetermined faster rate.

In a switch, separable contacts, a contact actuating member, spring means for moving said Vcontact actuating member, timing mechanism for restraining movement of said Contact actuating member in the direction it is moved by said spring to a predetermined rate, means for moving at least one of said contacts into and out of engagement with another of said contacts during movement of said contact actuating member in opposite directions at a portion of its movement at the end of its spring operated movement, manually operable means for moving said contact actuating member any desired amount in an opposite direction t-o stress said spring means -tact into and out of engagement with said spaced contacts, respectively, including 'timing means for restraining movement of said actuating means to a predetermined rate for predeter- .mined time at the end of which said movable contact is m-oved from engagement with one of said spaced contacts into engagement with another of said spaced contacts, and means for causing at least a portion of said timing means to restrain operation of said actuating means to a predetermined faster rate during said contact movement so that the movement of said movable contact from one of said spaced contacts to another will occur at said predetermined faster rate.

CHARLES H. HODGKINS. 

